CANSO — Construction on a long-anticipated $1.8-million fitness centre in Canso is slated to begin next month, following the Municipality of the District of Guysborough council’s recommendation to issue a design-build request for proposals (RFP) at its April 2 committee of the whole meeting.
The Canso & Area Arena addition – which could open as early as December – will feature a 2,000-square-foot gym, a 500-square-foot entrance, office and changing facilities, accessible washrooms and upgraded access to the adjacent pool.
MODG Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Shawn Andrews explained that the new centre – designed to deliver enhanced health and wellness opportunities for residents of all ages in the region – comes in response to changes at its former location.
“The fitness centre had a long-standing relationship with the Fanning Education Centre/Canso Academy ... where [it] was for many years” he said. “[But] they had a different requirement for the space, for a daycare, so we had to relocate the facility to continue operations.”
Following a three-week RFP window, opening in mid-April, and a contract award expected in early May, construction will proceed in phases – with the gym and other essential components scheduled to open in the latter half of 2025.
“Hopefully, we will have a six-month runway following the award for construction, and ideally open around Christmas time,” Andrews said. “But, that’s subject to a lot of things going correctly in coming months,” including predictable supply chain and contractor timelines.
According to MODG Warden Paul Long, the initiative is part of the municipality’s broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and services in smaller communities, offering a central location for recreation and social connection.
“Having the fitness centre in combination with the arena will offer the opportunity not only for community use but [for bringing] along the possibility of promoting hockey team training opportunities,” he said. “It will also provide a chance for parents to use the facility while their child may be practicing, so a lot of positivity all around.”
Andrews said, “Thanks are owed to the Strait Regional Centre for Education for the long-time use of the school facility at Fanning Education Centre Academy.”
Funding for the project includes $600,000 from the provincial government and $1.2 million from MODG reserves. Of the municipal portion, $500,000 has been redirected from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
